Tipping — Supporting Your Support Team & Giving Fair Wages on Kilimanjaro
- Vertical Sky Blogger!
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t just about reaching the summit, it’s also about the people
who make your success possible. Your guides, porters, cooks, and support staff, work
tirelessly behind the scenes, carrying gear, cooking meals, setting up camps, and
keeping you safe.
And you can make a huge difference by giving fair, thoughtful tips. But how much should
you tip? And why does it matter?
Let’s explore the importance of tipping, how it supports the local community, and how
to do it right.
Why Tipping Matters
Fair pay & recognition:
• Many staff rely heavily on tips as a substantial part of their income.
• Fair tipping supports fair wages, good working conditions, and community
upliftment.
At Vertical-Sky we pay far more than most of the other companies, because we believe that a fair wage is the bedrock of respect for Porters and Guides. Tipping is strongly encouraged, however, we do not use the value of the tips to offset what we consider to be a fair wage. Tipping is vital if you book with other companies.
Acknowledging hard work:
• Porters and guides work in physically demanding, often uncomfortable
conditions.
• Tips recognise their effort, professionalism, and dedication.
In Short, they really deserve it. Restaurants often charge 10's of dollars to open a bottle a wine. These guys caryy your belongings on their shoulders for 5 to 9 days and make sure you are comfortable and safe. Tip well! Please.
Building relationships & respect:
• Tipping fosters mutual respect and gratitude.
• It helps promote sustainability and ethical tourism.
How Much Should You Tip?
While suggested amounts can vary, here’s a friendly guideline to help you tip fairly and
comfortably:
Suggested Tip (USD)
Guide $20–$30 per day Per Guide
Guides lead your group, provide safety and lots of motivation.
Porter $10–$15 per day per porter. Porters carry your gear, set up camps and constantly support you.
Cook & Kitchen Staff $12–$20 per day Per Memeber of Kitchen Team. Support team preparing your meals and support.
Total tips can range from about $300 to $600 per climber for the entire trip, depending
on group size, route, and your experience. (Remember, this is still a tip, the crew's work hard to give you a great experience, if you are ever unhappy with something, address it straight away, and give the team the opportunity to fix it. Dont punish the team by restricting tips at the end of your journey for something minor.)
When & How to Tip
• Timing:
o Tips are typically given at the end of your trek, after reaching the final
camp or at the park gate. This is big deal for the team, they will show how incredibly grateful they are. Dont get embarressed, enjoy the moment.
o Many climbers give a collective tip to guide and support staff, often
divided equally or based on contribution.
• How:
o Hand tips directly to your guides and crew in person.
o Use small bills (USD or local currency, Tanzanian shillings). If you pay in USD, porters and Guides will have to exchange this into Shillings, They dont always get the best rate. If you can pay in Shillings that can help alot.
o Be respectful and heartfelt, a simple “Thank You” combined with tips
goes a long way.
Tip: Always give tips based on your experience and what you feel is fair — your support
team works hard for your success!
I can assure you, that when you have completed your climb, whitnessed how hard porters and guide work, and well looked after you have felt. You won't question the need for a tip.
The Impact of Your Tip
Your tips support a fair livelihood for local staff, fund community projects, and promote
ethical tourism. They enable guides and porters to support their families, pursue
education, and enjoy a better quality of life. (Talk to Vertical-sky and ask what initiatives we have put in place for our porters and guides)
Your generosity creates ripples, from supporting local families to preserving the
mountain’s environment.
Final Word: Tipping With Heart
Tipping is more than a monetary gesture, it’s an expression of gratitude, respect, and
pride in the journey you’ve completed together.
Are you ready to give fairly and make a real difference?
Support your guides and porters, because your success is their success, and
together, you make Kilimanjaro’s legacy stronger.
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